sub-fief
/ˈsʌbfiːf/Feudal Law. Now historical
noun
A fief which is held from an intermediary instead of the original feoffor; territory held in fee. Chiefly German History : a minor state subject to a more important state rather than directly to the crown.
- Chiefly in European contexts. In England the right to hold land under such terms was abolished in 1290 by the statute Quia Emptores..
Origin
Early 18th century. From sub- + fief, originally after Italian suffeudo. Compare German Afterlehen.